A Dutch journalist from De Telegraaf, Jeroen Kapteijns, reported that Spartak Moscow has reached a transfer agreement with FC Twente for Costa Rican striker Manfred Ugalde. His report, carried by Sports Express, outlines the terms as they stood at the moment of discussion, signaling a notable move for both clubs involved and for Ugalde’s career trajectory.
According to Kapteijns, the clubs gave Manfred the green light to complete a medical examination and to sign a binding contract, marking a traditional step in European transfers where medical confirmation precedes formalities. The information suggests that the deal progressed through the usual channels, with all parties committed to the next phase of the arrangement.
Financial details circulating around the fee indicate a transfer price of 13 million euros, with a potential 2 million euros in performance-related bonuses that could be triggered depending on defined targets during Ugalde’s contract with Spartak. Such bonus structures are common in modern football deals, designed to align incentives for a player as they integrate into a new league and team system.
Ugalde’s contract with Twente is set to run through the summer of 2027, anchoring a multi-year commitment that mirrors the expectations clubs have when acquiring young talent with substantial growth potential. In transfer market assessments, Ugalde’s value is often cited around 5 million euros, reflecting his age, international experience, and the potential upside perceived by prospective suitors.
During his time with Twente, the twenty-one-year-old forward appeared in 25 competitive matches across all competitions this season, contributing 9 goals and 7 assists. Those numbers highlight a player who can both finish and create, traits highly prized in modern attacking trios. For the Costa Rican national team, Ugalde has earned six caps and scored one goal, underscoring his international experience and the exposure he brings to a national squad seeking to build depth in the forward line.
Spartak Moscow, a club with a storied history in Russian football, continued its hunt for consistent results in the Russian Premier League, where the team has accumulated 30 points across 18 weeks and sits firmly inside the top tier of the table. The league schedule for the campaign’s second phase was set to resume in March, with Spartak aiming to pressure rivals at the business end of the season. In the most recent outings, Spartak claimed a win that disrupted Zenit St. Petersburg’s momentum in the 19th round, signaling a positive turnaround for a side that aims to sustain its push for domestic honors and a strong European campaign next season. The upcoming fixtures place Spartak on the road for a test against St. Petersburg, a match that could crystallize their position as the season advances.
Details surrounding Ugalde’s move to Spartak have been widely discussed, with several media outlets noting the progression from negotiation to formal agreement. The transfer represents a strategic choice for Spartak to inject pace, creativity, and versatility into their attacking options, while Twente receives compensation to reinvest in their squad and continue developing young talents for the Dutch league and beyond. As the agreement solidifies, observers will watch how Ugalde adapts to a different league, language, and tactical approach, and how Spartak leverages his talents within their broader offensive framework. The coming months should reveal how the player fits into the squad’s system and how his contribution translates to the club’s competitive aims across domestic and continental competitions.
In sum, the cross-border move underscores the ongoing evolution of European football, where emerging talents move among leagues with increasing frequency. For Ugalde, the transfer opens a new chapter, offering a platform to showcase his skills at a higher level while inviting Spartak to add depth and dynamism to their frontline as the season unfolds. The transfer market continues to evolve, and the financial considerations, medical clearances, and contract stipulations all play critical roles in determining how smoothly such deals progress and how quickly a newly acquired player can begin to influence the team on matchday.